Despite the recent release of the Epstein files, the voices of trafficking survivors remain largely unheard, highlighting systemic failures in seeking justice for victims of sexual exploitation.
As the Epstein files make headlines, revealing the names and stories of numerous high-profile individuals, the voices of the victims remain largely silenced. Reports indicate that Jeffrey Epstein victimized at least 1,000 women and children, yet their pursuit of justice has been obstructed by a legal system that often views them as “problems to be managed” rather than individuals deserving protection and support.
The issue of human trafficking extends far beyond the Epstein case, with staggering statistics illustrating the scope of the problem. “More than one million people are trafficked annually,” said Pilar Marrero, a journalist and author, during an American Community Media (ACoM) briefing on February 13, 2026. “The majority are young women and girls,” she added, noting that nearly 99% of sex trafficking cases do not lead to prosecution.
Jacquelyn Aluotto, Co-Founder and President of No Trafficking Zone, emphasized the pervasive nature of this injustice. “When victims did speak out, not only were they retaliated against, but they saw that their powerful predators faced no consequences. Justice is going to just be a myth,” she stated.
Dr. Michele Goodwin, a Professor of Constitutional Law and Global Health Policy at Georgetown University, pointed out that the roots of this injustice lie in a historical connection between power, violence, and the silencing of sexual assault survivors. Many individuals do not identify as victims due to intense psychological manipulation and the shame associated with their exploitation, which further complicates their ability to come forward.
This silencing was starkly illustrated in the recent release of the Epstein documents, where the Justice Department unveiled the names and images of many survivors. “This is absolutely shocking and inconsistent with what would be the rule of law,” Goodwin remarked, highlighting the systemic failures that prioritize male harmony over the safety of women and children.
Despite early attempts by Epstein’s survivors to seek justice—such as Maria Farmer’s outreach to the New York Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1996—no formal investigation was initiated. Aluotto reiterated that women are often not taken seriously in sex trafficking cases, stating, “Not only are these women not taken seriously, but in the past, agencies haven’t worked together to understand the crime.”
Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Epstein and Prince Andrew, became the first survivor to publicly share her experiences in 2011. In February 2022, Prince Andrew reached a financial settlement with Giuffre, although he did not admit any wrongdoing and continues to deny her claims. Tragically, Giuffre died by suicide on April 25, 2025.
The vulnerability to trafficking often intersects with poverty and exploitation, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups such as homeless youth and those aging out of the foster care system. Previous trauma can heighten this vulnerability, making individuals prime targets for predators who employ grooming tactics to establish trust.
Giuffre reflected on this in her memoir, “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,” stating, “So many young women, myself included, have been criticized for returning to Epstein’s lair even after we knew what he wanted from us.” She emphasized that such criticisms overlook the complex backgrounds of victims and the manipulative tactics employed by traffickers.
Traffickers exploit unique vulnerabilities, often luring victims with false promises of assistance or job opportunities. For many, the nightmare begins in familiar settings. Courtney Litvak, a survivor trafficked at age 17 and held captive for three years, recounted, “It began at my very own high school.” In Texas, 55% of survivor leaders reported being groomed or recruited through their schools, where institutions often prioritize liability over accountability.
Litvak explained that traffickers sometimes engage in peer-on-peer exploitation, incentivizing students to recruit classmates into organized crime networks. Once ensnared, victims often find their identities systematically dismantled. “How can a victim or survivor be focused at all on their education when they are in what’s called survival mode?” she asked, highlighting the psychological toll of trafficking.
Carmen McDonald, Executive Director of the Survivor Justice Center, noted that many survivors fear reporting crimes against them, often feeling unsafe even on the streets. This fear is compounded for immigrant survivors, who face additional barriers such as language hurdles and the threat of deportation. “Our clients are calling us and telling us they’re afraid to report crimes against them,” McDonald said.
Immigrant survivors of sex trafficking encounter unique challenges that hinder their ability to seek justice. Many are unaware of their rights and may be manipulated by traffickers who use their legal status against them. McDonald explained that predators often file false police reports against survivors or withhold identity documents to maintain control.
Legal remedies like the T visa exist to protect immigrant survivors, but many remain uninformed about these options. The complexities of immigration law, which can change rapidly, further complicate their situations. “There is no such thing as a perfect victim,” Litvak asserted, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of survivors’ experiences.
Dr. Goodwin highlighted the unrealistic expectations placed on survivors by the legal system, which often requires them to act as their own investigators. “What 6-year-old…10-year-old, 14-year-old is filing a police report?” she questioned, illustrating the challenges faced by young victims in navigating the legal landscape.
Influential perpetrators frequently leverage their power to discredit victims. In Epstein’s case, his legal team reframed minors as “prostitutes” to shift blame, despite the legal reality that minors cannot consent. This manipulation allows powerful individuals to evade significant consequences while survivors face ongoing stigma.
As society processes the revelations from the Epstein files, advocates stress the importance of shifting focus from high-profile abusers to supporting survivors in their healing journeys. Aluotto emphasized the need to “follow the money trail” and hold co-conspirators and corporations accountable to disrupt the high-profit, low-risk nature of human trafficking.
Dr. Goodwin urges a collective effort to prioritize the needs of Epstein’s survivors, advocating for a broader societal conversation that connects political power to violence and creates pathways for survivors to reclaim their lives. “Hopefully, it opens the door for deeper, broader, honest conversations in our society,” she concluded, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these systemic issues.
In summary, the voices of trafficking survivors must be amplified as society grapples with the implications of the Epstein files. Only through collective action and a commitment to justice can we hope to create a safer world for all.
According to India Currents.